Jet 9 RDO XX1 Build...this one goes to eleven

First ride complete, I absolutely love this bike. This is also my first ground up build and I happen to be rather proud of it. It also gave me an excuse to buy some great tools (star nut setter, crown race setter, headset press...)

On the first go, my bb to chainstay housing was too short. I was banging my head against the wall, then I came here and read about 120mm housing. Re-cable the aft section, shifts perfectly.

Lastly, XX1 is just the trickest kit out there. Always having any gear on demand is going to make me lazy (or give me freedom to concentrate on other things.) If you have the means, I highly suggest picking it up.

Great job! How do you like the SID? I am gathering parts for a very similar build but am struggling with fork choice.

I will pay the SID the best compliment I can give: I completely forgot about it while riding.

Coming from an older Lefty (hate it), remote lockout was super important to me because on the lefty, if I left it open after a descent it was like pedaling in sand.

Yesterday I took this thing to the park and abused it. I left it open all day and never thought about locking it. It just simply works. Absorbed everything I threw at it, and yet was somehow stiff enough to not notice when i was out of the saddle hammering.

Found it at Jensen on closeout at 399. I wanted a World cup, but couldnt justify the extra $500-$600 for a carbon steerer. After yesterday, convinced Ill never miss it.

Also many thanks again for the cable routing thread. I think that should be stickied so others like me dont waste a day of their life trying to figure out why their new bike wont shift into the small cogs.

I will pay the SID the best compliment I can give: I completely forgot about it while riding.

Coming from an older Lefty (hate it), remote lockout was super important to me because on the lefty, if I left it open after a descent it was like pedaling in sand.

Yesterday I took this thing to the park and abused it. I left it open all day and never thought about locking it. It just simply works. Absorbed everything I threw at it, and yet was somehow stiff enough to not notice when i was out of the saddle hammering.

Found it at Jensen on closeout at 399. I wanted a World cup, but couldnt justify the extra $500-$600 for a carbon steerer. After yesterday, convinced Ill never miss it.

that's a heck of a deal you got there. I am leaning towards the 2013 SID XX 120mm @ $660, unless I come across a better deal.

In terms of tires, not sure about shedding a pound of weight loss going from Small Block 8's to Racing Ralphs. If you got the tubeless ready Small Block 8's (DTC - SCT), they average around 680g per tire. If you got the other ones (DTC), they average about 588g per tire.

Compare that to the Racing Ralph 2.25 with SS and tubeless ready average about 651g per tire, and without the SS (Snakeskin) they are about 565g per tire. Now if you are talking about the new tubeless ready 2.1 Racing Ralphs - they come in around 500g per tire. Regardless, you'd have to shed 454g in total tire weight to lose a pound and that's only feasible if you go to something like the Maxxlite 29 tires or Schwalbe Furious Fred tires.

Probably more important is to view the rolling resistance properties. Small Block 8's don't score as well as the Schwalbe tires (Ralphs, Rons, Nics) in these tests.

I wouldn't sweat it though with that build and overall bike weight. It looks great.

Probably more important is to view the rolling resistance properties. Small Block 8's don't score as well as the Schwalbe tires (Ralphs, Rons, Nics) in these tests.

I wouldn't sweat it though with that build and overall bike weight. It looks great.

Thanks, great article. I was all set to go with Schwalbe, but two of my riding buddies swear by the small blocks. We have extremely dry conditions here, leaving either scorched earth hardpan or very loose fine dry dirt and rock/gravel. Add to that tons of various thorny plants (mesquite, tubmleweeds, etc) and tire selection becomes tougher. They both (anecdotally) say they got more flats on racing ralphs. They said the kendas solved the problem, so in this case I went with local knowledge, despite being a data geek.

Im glad im not paying a weight penalty. Rolling resistance has to depend on the condititions, but man 15 watts is a lot.

Also many thanks again for the cable routing thread. I think that should be stickied so others like me dont waste a day of their life trying to figure out why their new bike wont shift into the small cogs.

Nice build Palmares. Could you point me out to this specific thread you are referring to. I have read quite a few on the subject already but since things keep changing (go full housing, dont go full housing) I want to make sure I know the latest and what works the best.

Nice build Palmares. Could you point me out to this specific thread you are referring to. I have read quite a few on the subject already but since things keep changing (go full housing, dont go full housing) I want to make sure I know the latest and what works the best.

Great looking bike! I'm going with XX1 on the Air 9 RDO that I'm currently building up, and can't wait to try it out!

How are the wheels treating you? I plan on going with the Crest/DT240s combo as well. I'm currently running Arch/DT240s wheels on my RIP 9, and like them a lot. Just not sure if I'll notice a difference (possible besides weight) with the Crests.

Great looking bike! I'm going with XX1 on the Air 9 RDO that I'm currently building up, and can't wait to try it out!

How are the wheels treating you? I plan on going with the Crest/DT240s combo as well. I'm currently running Arch/DT240s wheels on my RIP 9, and like them a lot. Just not sure if I'll notice a difference (possible besides weight) with the Crests.

Ironically i have put my new xc build through the wringer this last week. I took a little new years trip and absolutely abused it on some really rough trails.

If you don't mind me asking, which bottom bracket did you go with? I'm still waiting for my frame to show up and starting to get all the components together. Im new to the whole bb30/pf30 thing and not sure if I understood niner correctly when i contacted them.

If you went with the bb30 cranks...do you know if you can press fit the bb30 bearings? Or will it need the pf30 bb? Just snagged the x9 jenson special as a temporary solution till I can save for xo or possibly a xx1 drivetrain. It came with the bb30 bb bearings and wasn't sure if they can be used on the j9 rdo. Thanks!

If you don't mind me asking, which bottom bracket did you go with? I'm still waiting for my frame to show up and starting to get all the components together. Im new to the whole bb30/pf30 thing and not sure if I understood niner correctly when i contacted them.

If you went with the bb30 cranks...do you know if you can press fit the bb30 bearings? Or will it need the pf30 bb? Just snagged the x9 jenson special as a temporary solution till I can save for xo or possibly a xx1 drivetrain. It came with the bb30 bb bearings and wasn't sure if they can be used on the j9 rdo. Thanks!

If the crank that you have brought is a BB30 crank, You will need the Press fit 30 ( PF30 ) bottom bracket.

Palmares, Great looking bike!
What length are you running your fork at?

Thanks!

Fork is 100mm. I considered 120 for "versatility" but went with the 100 for xc purebred. Turns out, Im real happy with it. I rode some of the gnarliest stuff I have ever done over new years, and it performed beautifully. No regrets.

Fork is 100mm. I considered 120 for "versatility" but went with the 100 for xc purebred. Turns out, Im real happy with it. I rode some of the gnarliest stuff I have ever done over new years, and it performed beautifully. No regrets.

Good to hear that you like the 100mm setting. I have a 2013 sid xx that I am going to put on the Jet RDO when built. I hear many people enjoy the 120mm setting but believe 100mm will be just fine for my area. I have the same color frame on it's way and gotta say your bike looks great!

OP - I'm looking at building up an RDO almost identically to yours. I'm deciding drivetrain and would like any feedback on XX1 you've got. Thanks much.

XX1 is the truth broheim. Any gear on demand at anytime. Im running the 32x10-42 that it comes with, and have no desire for anything else. I raced last weekend, and never wanted for more on the low end or high end. Do it. You will be happy.

My 2912 all-black Jet 9 RDO frame from Bike Bling came into today! I managed to snag a Fox Float CTD 100mm in black as well (got from another source). Was going to do an XTR drivetrain, but am now thinking of XX1 after reading this. Please share any other thoughts you have on the XX1. I'm worried about the smaller range of gearing this will offer. I'm building this bike specifically for 50-100 mile endurance races where there will be a lot of climbing and some long flat sections. I went from years of freeride MTB to a year of road bike racing, and this will be my first year racing XC. I just don't have a good feel for what range of gears I'm going to need. Are you ever finding you have to slow-grind up some long/steep hills with the 32 in front? What type/length of races will you be doing with this setup?

Beautiful build BTW! This is the best looking build of J9RDO I've seen so far!

My 2912 all-black Jet 9 RDO frame from Bike Bling came into today! I managed to snag a Fox Float CTD 100mm in black as well (got from another source). Was going to do an XTR drivetrain, but am now thinking of XX1 after reading this. Please share any other thoughts you have on the XX1. I'm worried about the smaller range of gearing this will offer. I'm building this bike specifically for 50-100 mile endurance races where there will be a lot of climbing and some long flat sections. I went from years of freeride MTB to a year of road bike racing, and this will be my first year racing XC. I just don't have a good feel for what range of gears I'm going to need. Are you ever finding you have to slow-grind up some long/steep hills with the 32 in front? What type/length of races will you be doing with this setup?

Beautiful build BTW! This is the best looking build of J9RDO I've seen so far!

Well, if you gotten this far, you know Im a fan of xx1. I have raced one time so far - Miles of Disomfort half marathon. 27 miles of somewhat technical riding. As far as gearing, I was more than covered. In fact, I didnt spend any time in either extreme gear. 32-42 is PLENTY for me- its the same as 26-36. 32-10 is only needed on road sections, and even then only if its really flat or slightly descending. Obviously everyone is different, but Comfort is as technical a race as I will do, and a 32 front was perfect. If I will be racing any truly flatter/easier courses, I will probably get a 34 or 36 front to give me more on the road sections.

Anyway - to slightly correct you, xx1 does not offer a smaller range - it just offers a few less options in between. 32-42 and 32-10 very nearly mimic a standard 2x10 setup.

Thanks for the compliment to my ride. Its certainly taken some abuse since these pics.

32/10 is a pretty high gear---it is almost as high as 36/11. But, an XTR double 26/38 would offer an even higher gear at 38/11. I suppose there aren't too many courses out there where the full spread of gears would be needed. Leadville comes to mind. I've never had a MTB under 32 lbs, or with less than 150mm travel, so perhaps I'm too worried about needing low gears. I've become used to doing massive hill climbs on my road bike this last year and my lowest gear there is a 39/28!

Originally Posted by Palmares

Anyway - to slightly correct you, xx1 does not offer a smaller range - it just offers a few less options in between. 32-42 and 32-10 very nearly mimic a standard 2x10 setup.

Thanks for the compliment to my ride. Its certainly taken some abuse since these pics.

Well we are speaking the same language. Im more of a roadie anyway. I use a standard crank (53/39) usually with an 11-25 or 11-27 if very climbing centric. I spend way less time in the 32-42 than in the equivalent gear on my road bike. Youll be fine.

Ok, now that I know you're a fellow roadie, I'm no longer worried about gear range. I'm thinking of ordering the group from the shop today. One last question: have you heard any hint of "knocking" sounds coming from the clutch mechanism as the rear suspension cycles through its travel? This website and others are filled with _user_ reviews complaining about this in the X.9 and X.0 Type 2. Way to many people for comfort are saying to avoid X.9 and X.0 until SRAM sorts it out (ie catches up to Shimano engineering again). I'm _hoping_ that they have sorted out that issue with the XX1...

Looks like SRAM has arsed up version 1 again. I'd feel better if the people having problems have found a solution, but so far nobody has anything to offer. It's not user servicable. One guy is thinking of buying a second one so that he can still ride his bike while SRAM is warrantying the other.

That's good to hear, although it is still early days for most XX1 owners. If I do buy this, I'll for sure buy it from my LBS so that they can help me deal with SRAM if/when problems crop up.

Dude, I'm not discounting others opinions, but I just havent heard of anything like that. I know xtr is the default group that everybody loves, but I have 2 other friends (pro/cat 1 guys) riding xx1 and loving it. If my stuff ever "clunks" or doesnt shift perfectly, I usually point the finger at the wrench (me) as opposed to the manufacturer. The housing near the bb was giving me fits. Then I came here and fixed it. At the risk of sounding like a know it all, I bet the problem can be fixed via b screw tension. I think this is maybe one of the most important adjustments on these deraillers due to the high spring tension.

Xx1 is the trickest kit out there. You cant make everyone happy all the time. IMHO this is akin to the "sram red front derailleur isnt stiff enough" complaint on the last gen road stuff.

Either way, I took a whole page to say what muzz said. Mine runs great.

Dude, I'm not discounting others opinions, but I just havent heard of anything like that. I know xtr is the default group that everybody loves, but I have 2 other friends (pro/cat 1 guys) riding xx1 and loving it...

OK, I'm convinced! Going to place order today.

Did you xx1/Jet9RDO owners order the 156 or 168 mm q-factor XX1? How does clearance look?

I'd like to use a Stages Cycling left-crank arm power meter eventually, but there needs to be at least 10 mm of clearance between the middle section of the left crankarm and frame to accomodate the power meter. Stages only work with metal crankarms, so the current solution is buy a Cannondale Hollowgram crankset and a custom Hollowgram to XX1 spider such as this one: CANNONDALE Kurbel SET Hollowgram SiSL2 + 1-fach Sram XX1 Kettenblatt

If there's enough clearance, than I might order the Hollowgram crankset + XX1 spider instead of the XX1 crankset. If successful, I believe I'll have the first Jet9RDO + full XX1 + power meter combo.

Did you xx1/Jet9RDO owners order the 156 or 168 mm q-factor XX1? How does clearance look?

I'd like to use a Stages Cycling left-crank arm power meter eventually, but there needs to be at least 10 mm of clearance between the middle section of the left crankarm and frame to accomodate the power meter. Stages only work with metal crankarms, so the current solution is buy a Cannondale Hollowgram crankset and a custom Hollowgram to XX1 spider such as this one: CANNONDALE Kurbel SET Hollowgram SiSL2 + 1-fach Sram XX1 Kettenblatt

If there's enough clearance, than I might order the Hollowgram crankset + XX1 spider instead of the XX1 crankset. If successful, I believe I'll have the first Jet9RDO + full XX1 + power meter combo.

Did you xx1/Jet9RDO owners order the 156 or 168 mm q-factor XX1? How does clearance look?

I'd like to use a Stages Cycling left-crank arm power meter eventually, but there needs to be at least 10 mm of clearance between the middle section of the left crankarm and frame to accomodate the power meter. Stages only work with metal crankarms, so the current solution is buy a Cannondale Hollowgram crankset and a custom Hollowgram to XX1 spider such as this one: CANNONDALE Kurbel SET Hollowgram SiSL2 + 1-fach Sram XX1 Kettenblatt

If there's enough clearance, than I might order the Hollowgram crankset + XX1 spider instead of the XX1 crankset. If successful, I believe I'll have the first Jet9RDO + full XX1 + power meter combo.

156 q factor. I actually caught my calf a couple times on the zip tied brake cable (it runs on the outside of the frame.) I re-routed it on the inside of the rear triangle and i like it better. The narrow stance feels like my road bikes and I love it.

Does this setup drop the chain on the front ring at all? I had a 1x10 and it always dropped on techy stuff. Do I need a special BB adaptor for the xx1 crank or will this bolt right up to the Niner frame with xx1 BB?